Old Pocklingtonians Kyle Edmund and William Wilberforce have inspired new names for two of East Riding Council’s gritting lorries after it asked local residents for suggestions.

Kyle Spreadmund and William Wilberfrost were among 21 names unveiled for the lorries, which worked round the clock to clear roads during the snow and freezing weather earlier this month.

The honours were inspired by five-year-old Theo Cothill, of Beverley, who asked the council whether it had names for the gritters who were working so hard to make our roads safe.

Mike White, group manager of Technical Services at East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: “We thought naming them would be a great idea and asked residents for suggestions.

“We got some really creative, funny suggestions and some with local connections too. I’m sure Kyle Edmund will be honoured to know he’s now got a gritter named after him!”

The 21 names were chosen by the council’s winter team and gritter drivers from more than 100 names suggested by members of the public via Twitter and Facebook following an appeal in January.

Those selected include Maureen Gritman, Basil Salty, Nicole Saltslinger, David Plowie and Er Ner Sner. Theo met the gritter named after his own suggestion, Sprinkles, at a special launch ceremony this week.

(pictures courtesy of East Riding Council)